Being in finance in the education sector is very different from working in the commercial sector. Our focus is not on increasing shareholder value and profitability but on long-term financial sustainability and investment in the right areas. CFOs in academy trusts are responsible for delivering good financial management. The unpredictability of inflationary cost increases and funding means we must work on multiple scenarios.
The education sector offers a perfect opportunity to make an impact on children’s lives
When I first joined, it was an exciting time to be part of the academy sector, as it was fairly new concept at the time. I have worked my way up from an accounts assistant to a CFO in various academy trusts.
The education sector offers a perfect opportunity to mix commercial flair with social responsibility and make an impact on children’s lives. Schools have to be financially sustainable to achieve the best outcomes for the children. An Ofsted-rated ‘outstanding’ school will ultimately suffer educationally if it does not manage its finances and then has to carry out a staffing restructure, so sound financial strategy and collaboration with the school leaders is important.
Unfortunately the education sector remains a less than glamorous choice for accountants, which makes recruitment and retention of talented professionals an uphill battle. The sector has also been slow to embrace flexible working, which creates an even bigger imbalance between the public and private sector. However, the public sector has an edge in terms of pensions, but a 20-year-old is unlikely to be attracted by prospects of a decent pension decades later compared with having flexible working now.
I have achieved my career goals despite being introverted as a child
I have achieved my career goals despite being introverted as a child. I lacked confidence, as English was not my first language and I suffered family tragedies along the way. My career was only possible through resilience, hard work, determination and the support of my lovely wife. It may sound like a cliché but, if I can do it, anyone can do it!
I have had to switch jobs every couple of years to climb the career ladder, due to the nature of the small teams and few career opportunities in most of the multi-academy trusts. Every new job comes with a risk and requires a lot of hard work while getting used to new surroundings and processes. My current role includes the production of forecasts; implementation of internal controls; developing budget controls; working on recruitment strategy; and advising stakeholders at executive and board level. I also lead at the strategic level in areas such as HR, IT, estates, GDPR and governance. As the leader of all operational areas, my team is comprised of finance, HR, governance, operational, admin and estates.
I have always been uncompromising on the standard of services provided by my team. A key focus is the customer service element. That means making some difficult choices and creating the right environment for good people to flourish.
I am a lifelong learner and always enjoy developing a new skill
If I wasn’t in finance I would be an entrepreneur, which I may still become one day. Initially, I wanted to take a business degree, but I realised a professional accountancy degree would provide me with better career options while also fostering my business skills.
I am a lifelong learner and always enjoy developing a new skill. I have read numerous books on emotional intelligence, psychology, mind management, memory mapping and investments. I am also a keen runner and an avid football fan.
